Terry Vakirtzoglou is a jazz vocalist, educator, and gospel choir director from Greece, currently teaching at the Philippos Nakas Conservatory in Athens and at the Professional Program of MMS Aschaffenburg in Germany. Her artistic and educational work focuses on vocal performance, improvisation, choral leadership, and the cross-cultural teaching of African American musical traditions.

As a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Berklee College of Music’s Department of Africana Studies, she will engage in an intensive program of study, observation, artistic participation, and mentorship focused on gospel and spiritual music. Through coursework, rehearsals, performances, and collaboration with faculty and students, she will explore choral direction, vocal harmonies, rehearsal methodologies, and the historical and cultural foundations of African American sacred music. Her goal is to deepen her understanding of gospel as both a musical and cultural practice and to develop pedagogical tools that will strengthen her teaching and conducting work in Europe. Equally important, she hopes to contribute her experience directing gospel ensembles in Greece and teaching in international settings, fostering meaningful intercultural exchange. Upon her return, she will share the knowledge, repertoire, and professional connections gained through this residency with her students, colleagues, and the broader musical community, further strengthening the dialogue between the African American roots of gospel music and its growing presence in Europe.